New Ann Taylor opens today at International Plaza

For today's excuse to go shopping, we bring you the opening of a new Ann Taylor store in International Plaza!

The press people call it the "NEW Ann in town!" -- a concept store that's a redesign of the traditional Ann Taylor you may be used to. Between all the buzzy PR descriptions (Maple hardwood floors! Crystal chandeliers! Plush carpeting! Luxe ottomans!) the news release includes this interesting new feature: a private lounge area with an oversized touch-screen monitor with access to anntaylor.com.

Sounds pretty cool, but part of me feels like, if I'm going to shop online, why wouldn't I just do it from home? But I guess then I'd miss out on all those luxe ottomans...

I'd also put it with this lovely yellow skirt. Or pair the skirt with a denim blouse.

Or I can stop ignoring the fact that summer is over and slip into fall with this sleek long-sleeved shell-pattern dress. I'd probably skip the tights, though, and add a pop of color with a string of beads or earrings.

Maybe I'll stop by the store opening today and order them there online (ha!).

About the bloggers

Looking for shopping deals in Tampa Bay? The Deal Divas are on the prowl, sniffing out hot fashion finds that won't leave your wallet in ruins. Now you never have to miss a shopping deal! Check in often for the lowdown on local bargains, as well as fashion advice, fun photos and style news. Disclaimer: The content of this blog is produced by the editorial staff of the Times and is not tied to advertising. E-mail us ideas you'd like us to write about.

Stephanie Hayes , addicted to heels for 15 years, has been experimenting with ballet flats, boots and cute sneakers lately. Her poor, tired feet thank her. She can never get enough animal print, and her eye shadow collection has become a bit of a hoard. While other kids were reciting multiplication tables, she was learning to calculate an extra third off the half-price discount during buy-one-get-one week. She knows a healthy swipe of red lipstick can make any outfit better. She can be reached at (813) 226-3394 or shayes@tampabay.com.

Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at (850) 224-7263 or ksanders@tampabay.com..

Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost, but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan, she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8643 or kstanley@tampabay.com.

From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or ksummers@tampabay.com.